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Goler Wash/ Mengel Pass 4x4 Trail

Many interesting mines and cabins to see, including Charles Manson Hideout

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Difficulty: Strenuous

Length: 15.6 miles

Duration: Full day

Family Friendly

Overview :
Camp nearby in the ghost town of Ballarat. Along the trail, see mines and outstanding Adopt-a-Cabins including Barker Ranch, once the ... more »hideout of serial killer Charles Manson and his gang. Other cabins include Russel Camp (our favorite) and the Geologist’s Cabin, popular because it is very tight and clean. The other cabins are mice infested and are posted with danger signs explaining the deadly Hantavirus, which is spread by inhaling dust from mice droppings. People stay in the cabins despite the warnings. For information on this route and possible closures, contact the BLM in Barstow at (760) 252-6000. For park portion, contact Death Valley National Park at (760) 786-3200 or go to ww.nps.gov/deva.

Rating:
Difficult. Most of this trail is easy to moderate. Only one short stretch over Mengel Pass is difficult. Under normal circumstances, high-clearance 4x4 SUVs can reach this point without a problem. Those with skid plates should also be able to get over Mengel Pass but some caution must be taken to avoid undercarriage damage. Some rock stacking may be necessary. In addition, there is always the possibility that a flash flood through Goler Wash could make it more difficult. This trail is extremely remote. Street-legal vehicles only inside Death Valley National Park.

Tips:
Make sure your gas tank is full and carry plenty of water. Not recommended in the summer. Dangerously hot. Always carry lots of water ... more »and sun protection, including full-cover clothing.

Trail conditions can change without notice. FunTreks, Inc. and its owner and employees are not responsible for injury, death, or vehicle damage as a result of using this guide. The content of this guide is the property of FunTreks, Inc. and is made available to the user pursuant to EveryTrail’s Terms of Service (http://www.everytrail.com/tos.php). less «

Points of Interest

Follow Google mapping directions from Ballarat Ghost Town south on Wingate Road to this point and head west.

2. Enter Goler Wash

Conditions vary here. After storms, the trail can wash out and be nearly impassable. If repairs have been made, the road may be freshly graded and very easy. Just depends on the weather.

3. Newman Cabin to Right

Short side trip to right ends as interesting Newman Cabin. Please close door of cabin to stop burros from getting inside and destroying everything. Return to this point and continue on main road.

4. Lotus Mine to Right

A nasty side road to right goes past some ruins and climbs to Lotus Mine.

5. Turn for Barker Ranch

You'll enter Death Valley National Park just before an important road that goes right and ends at Barker Ranch, hideout for the famous killer Charles Manson. Unlicensed vehicle must turn around at park boundary.

6. Charles Manson Hideout

Road ends at Barker Ranch. Turn around here and return to main route.

7. Mengel Pass

A large grave marker identifies Mengel Pass. This is the rockiest and steepest part of the trail. Continue down the other side.

8. Side Trip to Russell Cabin

Turn left then left again in short distance to see very interesting Russel Cabin.

9. Russel Cabin

Road ends at very interesting Russel Cabin, an Adopt-a-Cabin in Death Valley National Park, available on first-come, first-serve basis.

10. Mengels Cabin

Location of Mengels Cabin and Greater View Spring.

11. Geologist's Cabin

Location of well preserved Geologist's Cabin, made of stone. Also an Adopt-a-Cabin and usually in the best condition.

12. Exit Point Through Butte Valley

Easier road heads northeast through Butte Valley to Highway 178, where a left turn will take you to Furnace Creek, where full services are available.

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